Explaining Mormonism

so that you may know what is true

A deeper look at Mormonism:

"I have no fears in my heart, or mind, that that which is called "Mormonism"-which is indeed the g ospel of Jesus Christ-will not bear the scrutiny of science and the researches of the learned and literate into all tr uth. The gospel of Jesus is founded in truth. Every principle of it is susceptible of demonstration beyond any just reason for contradiction. The Lord is doing his work and will do it, and no power can stay it." (Presid ent Joseph F. Smith-Oct. C. R., 1908, p. 127)

There are many misconceptions about what Mormonism is and what its teachings encompass. Even the most basic dictionary definition of “Mormonism” which states, “the doctrines and practices of the Mormon Church based on the Book of Mormon” is nebulous and unfinished at best. In fact, it is because members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that the Book of Mormon is the cornerstone of the Mormon faith, and use it in their personal study and teaching, that the media and others inadvertently refer to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the “Mormon Church” and its members as “Mormons.”

Referring to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the “Mormon Church” leads to the preconceived opinion of many that Latter-day Saints, as they are properly known, are not Christian because they worship someone other than Jesus Christ. However, that is not true. The official name of the Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is a clarion declaration to the world that Latter-day Saints do worship Jesus Christ, the very One whose name the Church bears. A verse of scripture from the Book of Mormon (which Latter-day Saints testify is a companion volume of scripture to the Holy Bible and Another Testament of Jesus Christ) bears record as to why Christ’s Church must have His name in its title. The following words are found in 3 Nephi 27:8,

And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses’ name then it be Moses’ church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has its foundation built upon the gospel of the Jesus Christ. Therefore, Latter-day Saints do not worship Joseph Smith (whom they revere as the first prophet of the Church), nor do they worship Mormon who is a prophet in the Book of Mormon. They worship and adore the Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. Latter-day Saints openly profess that, “we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins” (2 Nephi 25:26).

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that this mortal life is a test. That test is to prove our obedience to the will of the Lord – to do as He commands – and our faithfulness in enduring to the end. Latter-day Saints further believe that in this life we are to build relationships that will last throughout the eternities, as well as learn patience and have compassion towards our fellowman. The eternal hope of faithful Latter-day Saints is to one day return home to the arms of a loving Heavenly Father who awaits them and to hear Him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21).

This site has been developed to demystify some of the misconceptions about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is the hope that as you navigate its pages, you will be drawn closer to the truth of what Mormonism teaches, and come to the realization that Latter-day Saints do have a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

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This website is not owned by or affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the Mormon or LDS Church). The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the position of the Church. The views expressed by individual users are the responsibility of those users and do not necessarily represent the position of the Church. For the official Church websites, please visit LDS.org or Mormon.org.